Summer 2025 update
A new leadership team is now in place, bringing a renewed focus to improving education across Central Bedfordshire and committed to working closely with schools to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people.
We know there are challenges – but improving educational outcomes is our top priority and that’s a shared goal with schools. The move to a two-tier system of education is the focus of this webpage, but it’s not the only driver in the overall picture of improving education. We also need to promote inclusion and expand specialist provision to meet the diverse needs of our children.
To support a change to a two-tier system, we’re analysing a wide range of data – including pupil numbers, site capacity, funding pressures and forecasted demand – so we can make confident, informed decisions. These insights will help us shape the next phase of delivery and ensure the right solutions are put in place.
We’re committed to having honest conversations, even when they’re difficult. No option is off the table. We need to be creative, especially in the current financial climate.
National reforms around fairer funding, SEND, and early years are on the horizon. Locally, we want to shape that change with schools and with you.
This webpage will be updated with new information about the three-to-two-tier programme when it is available.
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Three-tier schools in other areas
We remain committed to transitioning to a primary and secondary school model across Central Bedfordshire. The above sections provide information on the georgraphical areas of Central Bedfordshire where work has either taken place or has been completed. As we look at The Three-to-Two-Tier Programme with renewed focuse, we will also be engaging with schools in the areas that have yet to begin the process in: Harlington; Ampthill and Flitwick and Leighton-Linslade.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
We are also committed to improving our provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and a priority is our work to increase specialist school places, which remains unaffected. Some of this work may be related to some of the changes proposed in the Three-to-Two-Tier Programme.
Visit our SEND Local Offer for updates on general SEND improvements.